India on August 25 reiterated that it will continue recruiting Gurkha soldiers to the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme.
In a weekly media briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi said, “We have been recruiting Gurkha soldiers to the Indian Army for a long time. We look forward to continuing to recruit Gurkha soldiers to the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme. ”
On June 14, the Union Cabinet approved Agnipath, a recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the three Armed Forces services, and the youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers.
Agnipath scheme
The Agnipath scheme enables patriotic and motivated young people to serve in the Armed Forces for four years. The Agnipath scheme was created to help the Armed Forces maintain a youthful profile.
The ‘Agnipath’ scheme is a pan-India merit-based recruitment scheme for soldiers, airmen, and sailors. The scheme allows young people to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces. All Agniveers will be recruited through the ‘Agnipath’ scheme.
Only 25% of Agniveers will be retained or re-enlisted in the regular cadre after four years based on merit, willingness, and medical fitness.
The Agnipath scheme was implemented to improve India’s security. After four years of service, the ‘Agniveers’ will be given a good pay package as well as an exit retirement package.
The first four years of service under a contract are unlikely to be considered when determining final pensionary benefits.
The remaining 75% of ‘Agniveers’ will be demobilised, with an exit or “Seva Nidhi” package worth Rs 11-12 lakh, funded in part by their monthly contributions, as well as skill certificates and bank loans to help them transition into new careers.
Rohingyas
Regarding the possible visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the issue of Rohingyas, Bagchi said, “I don’t have to say anything on that, I don’t have an update on that. Regarding Rohingyas, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a detailed press release on it. At this point of time, we have nothing further to add.”
According to sources, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit New Delhi in early September.
The repatriation of Rohingyas is likely to be on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s agenda during her upcoming visit to India.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) previously stated that it had given no orders to provide EWS flats to illegal Rohingya migrants in Bakkarwala, New Delhi.
“With respect to news reports in certain sections of media regarding illegal Rohingya foreigners, it is clarified that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has not given any directions to provide EWS flats to Rohingya illegal migrants at Bakkarwala in New Delhi,” the Home Minister’s office tweeted.
The clarification came after reports that around 1,100 Rohingyas staying in tents will soon be shifted into flats equipped with basic facilities and round-the-clock security.
